Optical disc storage containers that facilitate detection of the presence of optical and/or audio discs stored therein

ABSTRACT

Novel, quick, and reliable detection methods for determining the presence and/or authenticity of optical and/or audio disc articles (such as compact discs, digital video discs, CD-ROM discs, and the like) when present within a holding container are provided. Specific methods of utilizing particular transparent cases are encompassed within this invention. Specific methods of utilizing particular transparent cases are thus also encompassed within this invention as are navel storage unit configurations to maximize the benefits of the transparent properties thereof.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No.10/122,674, filed on Apr. 15, 2002. This parent application is hereinentirely incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to novel, quick, and reliable detection methodsfor determining the authenticity of optical and/or audio disc articles(such as compact discs, digital video discs, CD-ROM discs, and thelike). Such a method basically entails the incorporation of anidentifier or marking means within the edges of target optical discs orwithin any other portion of a target disc such that exposure tonon-visible light sources will provide the desired identification uponirradiation or detection of the marking means therein. Such anidentifier or marking agent thus may be utilized in conjunction with atransparent holding case whereby the optical discs may be exposedthrough the transparent walls thereof to permit detection of counterfeitor authentic discs without requiring opening of the case itself. Such amethod may also be utilized for discs that are removed from or have notbeen placed and sealed within such a case as well. Specific methods ofutilizing particular transparent cases are thus also encompassed withinthis invention as are novel storage unit configurations to maximize thebenefits of the transparent properties thereof.

DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART

Optical data storage discs, such as compact discs (CDs), digital videodiscs (DVDs), and compact discs having read-only memory (CD-ROMs), havebeen utilized within the entertainment and computer field for a numberof years, with DVDs recently entering the market with much higheramounts of available encoded information for more impressive videoresults. Such discs generally comprise a layer of plastic material, onone side of which is formed a micro-relief pattern in the form ofindentations which comprise an encoded information signal. Thisinformation-containing side exhibiting such a micro-relief pattern isthen provided with a lacquer-protected metallized reflective layer topermit reading via a laser sensor. DVDs may contain more than one suchlayer of micro-relief patterns thus providing increased amount ofinformation. Such DVDs exhibit several formats but always comprise twosubstrates, each formed with at least one information layer, that aresecured to one another. Furthermore, the lacquered portion of the disc,generally being solely on one side, usually is provided with visibleprinted information for identification, informational, and/or aestheticpurposes to the user. Standard and particular production methods forsuch discs are disclosed within such documents as U.S. Pat. No.6,165,391 and European Patent EP 0608358B1 (including the production ofdiscs including holographic images embossed in the lacquer forming theprotective layer for the metallized surface in order for themicro-relief pattern to define such an holographic image).

Such optical discs are normally formed from polycarbonate material whichis injected into an injection molding machine in which a stamper ispresent, the stamper forming the pattern of indentations in thesubsequently formed disc to provide the encoded signal. Other techniquesutilize compression molding with a specific mold to provide the encodedsignals therein.

The discs may thus include certain holographic images on the surface aswell as different additives within the plastic layer, all notdetrimental to the operation of the target disc itself. The periphery ofthe disc (which is normally produced in circular configuration) is thusavailable for utilization of any number of identification purposeswithout affecting the sound or vision quality of the encoded informationtherein.

Furthermore, storage units for such discs have predominately been eitherpolystyrene in nature (for CDs and CD-ROMs) or black (and thus opaque)polypropylene (for DVDs). Polystyrene is generally very clear and hasbecome commonplace in terms of CD and CD-ROM storage; however, suchmaterial has proven to be less than reliable in terms of long-termusage. Polystyrene is generally susceptible to breakage easily, requiresa two piece case to provide a hinge, and is more expensive thanpolyolefins. Opaque polypropylene prevents the ability to view theactual disc prior to opening of the unit itself. Polypropylenewithstands certain forces better than polystyrene (such as accidentaldrops, colliding with solid objects, etc.), and is cheaper than such anexpensive material. Furthermore, transparent polypropylene has beenutilized to a certain degree as well to reduce costs in other ways. Forexample, DVDs generally include an attached sleeve to the target storageunit of transparent thin film in order to place an identifyingpublication therein. Such a thin film sleeve increases costs to such adegree that certain storage unit producers have noted the ability toremove the need for such a costly thin film sleeve and move thepublished identification papers within the storage unit itself. Thus,with sufficient transparency, the identifying publications can be viewedwithout opening the box itself.

Unfortunately, even with such a development in storage unit design andproduction, there has been a lack of maximization of such a benefit. Inthe past, booklets of limited size have been produced for informationalpurposes for the user. Such booklets were placed within the storage unitbut normally required removal from the storage unit itself prior toreading. Such booklets also cost a great deal of money to produce andpack. There thus exists the need to maximize the benefits of having thefull published information documentation within the inside of the targetdisc storage unit. To date, for example, there still exists a standardconfiguration wherein the discs as stored remain within the storage unitand thus act as obstacles to reading the provided printed informationliterature accompanying the disc itself. To date, there has been nodiscussion or fair suggestion on how best to maximize such a limiteddesign in order to maximize the benefits of utilizing transparentpolyolefin storage unit materials themselves.

Additionally, counterfeit audio and/or optical discs are an enormousproblem within the pertinent industries. In fact, billions of dollars ayear are lost to the respective recording industries due to forged orcounterfeited articles. Combating such a problem has proven extremelydifficult as the appearance of such counterfeit discs are generally thesame as those of authentic quality. Thus, proving authenticity isgenerally difficult, if not impossible. Past attempts at preventing ordetecting such counterfeit discs have included technologies such asanti-copying/encryption technologies, digital signatures, watermarks,and the like, embedded within the disc's content. However, thesetechnologies have proved ineffective as decoders have been easy todevelop for encryption and identifiers have been easy to copy.Therefore, stopping such counterfeit articles is quite elusive,particularly at the customs (importation) or customer level. Asimplified method of facilitating such needed detection of counterfeitarticles is thus of utmost importance to these industries. Of particularinterest is the ability to provide such detection when discs areshrink-wrapped together, prior to placement within ultimate storageunits, as well as upon placement within such storage units (which arealso generally shrink-wrapped for consumer purchase) in a manner thatdetection can be made without having to open the storage unit itself(and thus provides an easy method for the distributor to determine discauthenticity without affecting the value of the pre-packaged disc).Thus, such a desirable simplified detection method has not been accordedthese particular industries to date.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus an object of this invention to provide a manner of detectingcounterfeit optical discs either while removed from any packaging, whilepresent within a closed storage unit, or while present in ashrink-wrapped package of multiple discs. Another object of thisinvention is to provide a detection method for the authenticity ofoptical discs through the exposure of such discs to light within thenon-visible spectrum and viewing the resultant appearance of the edgesof such discs. Yet another object of the invention is to provide asimultaneous manner of efficient storage of discs and improved access toprovided informational literature accompanying such discs.

Accordingly, this invention encompasses a method of determining theauthenticity and/or counterfeit status of at least one optical disccomprising the steps of

(a) providing at least one optical disc including at least oneauthenticity identifier selected from the group consisting of at leastone iridescing compound, at least one iridescing pattern, and anycombinations thereof, wherein said identifier is identifiable at leastalong the periphery of said disc;

(b) exposing said disc to a source of iridescent light within thenon-visible spectrum; and

(c) viewing the periphery of said at least one disc for the presence ofsaid identifier; wherein if said identifier is present, then said discis considered authentic, and wherein if said identifier is not present,then said disc is not considered authentic. Also encompassed within thisinvention is a method for determining the authenticity and/orcounterfeit status of at least one optical disc present within a closedtransparent storage unit, said method comprising the steps of

(a) providing at least one optical disc including at least oneidentification image thereon; and

(b) viewing said optical disc within said closed transparent storageunit for the presence of said at least one identification image;

wherein if said at least one holographic is viewed, then said disc isconsidered authentic, and wherein if said at least holographic image isnot present, then said disc is not considered authentic. Furtherencompassed within this invention is a method of determining theauthenticity and/or counterfeit status of at least one optical discpresent within a closed transparent storage unit, said method comprisingthe steps of

(a) providing an optical disc within said closed transparent storageunit, said optical disc including at least one authenticity identifierselected from the group consisting of at least one iridescing compound,at least one iridescing pattern, at least one identifying pattern, andany combinations thereof, wherein said identifier is identifiable atleast along the periphery of said disc;

(b) exposing said storage unit disc to a source of iridescent lightwithin the nonvisible spectrum; and

(c) viewing the periphery of said at least one disc while still withinsaid closed storage unit for the presence of said identifier; wherein ifsaid identifier is present, then said disc is considered authentic, andwherein if said identifier is not present, then said disc is notconsidered authentic. Lastly, this invention also encompasses apolyolefin-containing storage unit including at least one peripheraledge and including at least one rosette for optical disc storage, saidat least one rosette being present on an arm which is permanently ortemporarily attached to said at least one peripheral edge via a movablehinge, wherein said optical disc may be maneuvered outside of saidstorage unit while simultaneously being attached to said rosette whichin turn remains attached to said arm while said arm remains attached tosaid at least one peripheral edge of said storage unit.

As it pertains to this invention, the term “authenticity identifier” isintended to encompass any type of additive, whether integrated withinthe target disc or adhered to the surface of the target disc, that canbe illuminated, preferably through utilization of a light source withinthe non-visible spectrum (such as, without limitation, infrared light,infrared laser, ultraviolet light, ultraviolet laser, and the like).Preferably, such an authenticity identifier is provided wherein theresultant detection thereof is noted through visible realization of aunique signal. Thus, bar-coding, iridescent compounds, patterns ofbarcodes intermixed with iridescent compounds, patterns of iridescentcompounds, and the like, are possible, non-limiting available manners ofproviding such an authenticity identifier thereon or therein the targetoptical disc.

More preferably, such an authenticity identifier is present within theplastic layer of the target optical, and most preferably added theretoin such a manner as to permit identification of such an additive at thesurface of the periphery of the target optical disc itself. A distinctproblem facing the optical disc industries concerns the fact thatindividual discs are counterfeited readily and may be passed off asauthentic during importation through customs departments. Generally,prior to packing within desired storage units, such discs are producedin large quantities and are shrink-wrapped hundreds at a time forshipping. Such shrink-wrap is generally transparent in nature as welland thus permits ease in identification of an authenticity identifier atthe periphery of each individual disc when present in shrink-wrappedform prior to packing within storage units. In such a manner, theshrink-wrapped discs may be illuminated and analyzed for the presence ofthe needed authenticity identifier. Such a method thus facilitatesreview by the proper importation customs officials in order to preventunlawful shipping of counterfeit articles.

Such a periphery configuration also facilitates authentication ofstorage unit-packed optical discs, primarily those packed withintransparent cases. Generally, the information literature accompanyingthe disc(s) is sufficiently large that it resides within the entirespace provided by both halves of the storage unit itself. In suchmanner, the only open space remaining for easy viewing of the targetdisc(s) is only the peripheral edge(s) thereof through the transparentmaterial. The storage unit must thus exhibit a proper level oftransparency to permit illumination of the disc periphery therein forsuch an analysis. However, although not required, the design of thestorage unit may be improved to the degree that there is substantiallyno obstacle to illumination and thus analysis of the optical disctherein other than the plastic material of the storage unit itself. Forinstance, with common polypropylene cases, a living hinge is utilized toprovide a completely (or at least substantially) symmetric storage unitthat opens easily to provide two, again, substantially, symmetrichalves. In such a manner, storage unit, when in closed position,exhibits partition lines that may hinder the view of the target disc'speripheral edges. Thus, a different design can be employed to maximizeviewing of the illuminated disc peripheral edges wherein three edges ofthe storage unit do not include partitions therein and are free from anyobstacles to peripheral edge viewing. Thus, the storage unit design maybe asymmetric in configuration with a living hinge employed (forpreferred transparent polypropropylene) on a top flap that may beremovably attached to the remaining portions of the storage unit suchthat the stored disc is placed within the bottom portion thereof thesides of which do not exhibit any impedance to viewing. Such a design isnoted below in the drawings. As a result of any manner of detection insuch a manner, the disc contained therein can be analyzed prior toopening and/or removal, thereby preventing a loss in value of the targetdisc or at least providing a much simpler method of determiningauthenticity for the distributor, exhibitor, and/or consumer.

The utilization of polyolefin (preferably transparent polypropylene)aids in removing the problems associated with polystyrene jewel boxes aswell. Generally, such polystyrene boxes are brittle and, as noted above,highly susceptible to breakage, both within the flap portions of thetarget box, as well as at the detachable hinge portion(s). In addition,such boxes generally only permit easy viewing of the target disc thereinat one side. Clarity is an important characteristic of polystyrene;however, one edge of the jewel box is usually covered by the title ofthe work provided within the disc itself and two others are roughenedsuch that viewing through such a side is nearly impossible. With thepreferred transparent polypropylene storage units of this inventivemethod, the detection possibilities are increased to three sides of thetarget storage unit, easily. Although polystyrene is not preferredwithin this inventive method, of course, since it does provide a certaindegree of ability to view a peripheral edge of the target disc, such amaterial may also be utilized.

Holographic images have been produced within the micro-relief pattern(s)of optical discs in the protective lacquer in order to provideauthentication or anti-counterfeiting techniques. In the past, however,such images required first removing the target disc from its storageunit prior to viewing such an anti-counterfeit marking device. Thus, theability to provide a simpler method of counterfeit detection viatransparent storage unit materials, and configuration of the particularstorage unit itself, has not been previously investigated. With such atransparent storage unit, the aforementioned benefits of moving theidentification literature within the case provides some difficulty indetermining proper views of the authenticity image (herein defined as aholographic image, a bar-code, or other like imaging effect thatindicates uniqueness of source). If the literature is too large in sizeand thus only permits viewing at the peripheral edges (as with the otherpreferred embodiment noted above), then either openings may be providedin the literature for proper viewing of the authenticity image atspecified areas of the target disc, or the authenticity image may alsobe placed on the peripheral edges for proper viewing and analysis by thetarget audience.

The transparency of the storage unit is of utmost importance for atleast one preferred method of authenticity detection. In such a manner,the ability to determine counterfeit discs while the storage unit iseither closed, sealed, or both, is not only facilitated, but alsopermitted. With promotional literature material utilized, either withina sleeve, or placed within the storage unit itself, generally such papermaterial is placed in such a way as to prevent easy view of the surfaceof the target disc. Thus, there is a need to either provide a cut-outpattern within the promotional material or smaller material in general,to permit viewing of the surface of the target disc, unless viewing ofthe peripheral edges is accessible and easier. The transparency of thestorage unit material thus accords the ability to actually view eitherthe surface or the peripheral edges without removing the target discfrom such a case.

For this purpose, polypropylene is most highly desired, in particularclarified polypropylene (cPP). Any standard clarifying agent may beutilized for this purpose, however, highly preferred are those of thesubstituted benzylidene sorbitol type, most highly preferred being3,4-dimethyldibenzylidene sorbitol (available from Milliken & Companyunder the tradename MILLAD® 3988 (MILLAD® 3940 may also be utilized;however, due to plate-out and organoleptic issues, such an additive isnot as highly desired for such a purpose). material in the reaction.Such an additive is indicated within U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,474 to Scrivenset al., for example, and is generally added to target polypropylene inan amount of from about 0.01 to about 2 percent by weight, preferablyabout 0.1 to about 1 percent by weight, based upon the total weight ofthe composition may be provided.

The polyolefin polymers of the present invention may include aliphaticpolyolefins and copolymers made from at least one aliphatic olefin andone or more ethylenically unsaturated comonomers. Generally, thecomonomers, if present, constitute a minor amount, e.g., about 10percent or less or even about 5 percent or less, of the entirepolyolefin, based upon the total weight of the polyolefin. Suchcomonomers may serve to assist in clarity improvement of the polyolefin,or they may function to improve other properties of the polymer.Examples include acrylic acid and vinyl acetate, etc. Examples of olefinpolymers whose transparency can be improved conveniently according tothe present invention are polymers and copolymers of aliphaticmonoolefins containing 2 to about 6 carbon atoms which have an averagemolecular weight of from about 10,000 to about 2,000,000, preferablyfrom about 30,000 to about 300,000, such as polyethylene, linear lowdensity polyethylene, polypropylene, crystalline ethylenepropylenecopolymer, poly(1-butene), 1-hexene, 1-octene, vinyl cyclohexane, andpolymethylpentene. The polyolefins of the present invention may bedescribed as basically linear, regular polymers that may optionallycontain side chains such as are found, for instance, in conventional,low density polyethylene.

The preferred polypropylene composition can be obtained by adding aspecific amount of the substituted dibenzylidene sorbitol directly tothe polypropylene (or copolymer), and merely mixing them by an suitablemeans. Alternatively, a concentrate containing as much as about 20percent by weight of the additive in a polypropylene masterbatch may beprepared and be subsequently mixed with the resin. Furthermore, theclarifying additive (and other additives) may be present in any type ofstandard polyolefin additive form, including, without limitation,powder, prill, agglomerate, liquid suspension, and the like,particularly comprising dispersion aids such as polyolefin (e.g.,polyethylene) waxes, stearate esters of glycerin, montan waxes, mineraloil, and the like. Basically, any form may be exhibited by such acombination or composition including such combination made fromblending, agglomeration, compaction, and/or extrusion.

Other additives such as a transparent coloring agent or plasticizers(e.g., dioctyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, dioctyl sebacate, mineraloil, or dioctyl adipate), can be added to the composition of the presentinvention so long as they do not adversely affect the improvement oftransparency of the product. It has been found that plasticizers such asthose exemplified above may in fact aid in the improvement of thetransparency by the diacetal. In particular, it is further contemplatedthat certain organoleptic improvement additives be added for the purposeof reducing the migration of degraded benzaldehydes from reaching thesurface of the desired article. The term “organoleptic improvementadditive” is intended to encompass such compounds and formulations asantioxidants (to prevent degradation of both the polyolefin and possiblythe target alditol derivatives present within such polyolefin), acidneutralizers (to prevent the ability of appreciable amounts of residualacids from attacking the alditol derivatives), and benzaldehydescavengers (such as hydrazides, hydrazines, and the like, to prevent themigration of foul tasting and smelling benzaldehydes to the targetpolyolefin surface). Such compounds and formulations can be added in anyamounts in order to provide such organoleptic improvements as needed.However, the amounts should not appreciably affect the haze results forthe target polyolefin itself. Thus, lower amounts on the order of fromabout 20 ppm to about 2,000 ppm of the total polyolefin component aredesired.

Polyolefin Formation and Testing

Transparent polypropylene optical disc storage units were producedcomprising DMDBS clarifying agents sample random copolymer polypropylene(RCP) resins, as noted below. The polypropylene was produced dry blendedin a Welex mixer at ˜2000 rpm, extruded through a single screw extruderat 400-450° F., and pelletized. Accordingly, batches of targetpolypropylene were produced in accordance with the following table:

RANDOM COPOLYMER POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITION TABLE Component AmountPolypropylene random copolymer flake (3% ethylene) 1000 g (MF = 12)Irganox ® 1010, Primary Antioxidant (from Ciba) 500 ppm Irgafos ® 168,Secondary Antioxidant (from Ciba) 1000 ppm Calcium Stearate, AcidScavenger 800 ppm DMDBS 2500 ppm

The base resin (random copolymer, hereinafter “RCP”) and all additiveswere weighed and then blended in a Welex mixer for 1 minute at about1600 rpm. All samples were then melt compounded on a Killion singlescrew extruder at a ramped temperature from about 204° to 232° C.through four heating zones. The melt temperature upon exit of theextruder die was about 246° C. The screw had a diameter of 2.54 cm and alength/diameter ratio of 24:1. Upon melting the molten polymer wasfiltered through a 60 mesh (250 micron) screen. The target storage unitsof this polypropylene material were then made through extrusion into anArburg 25 ton injection molder with the proper mold configuration. Themolder was set at a temperature anywhere between 190 and 260° C., with arange of 190 to 240° C. preferred, most preferably from about 200 to230° C. (for the Tables below, the standard temperature was 220; a #denotes a temperature 210, a {circumflex over ( )} denotes a temperatureof 200, and a @ denotes a temperature of 230). The storage units haddimensions of about 200 mm×200 mm×1.27 mm, and were made in a moldhaving a mirror finish. The mold cooling circulating water wascontrolled at a temperature of about 25° C.

The haze values were measured by ASTM Standard Test Method D1003-61“Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of TransparentPlastics”. using a BYK Gardner XL-211 Hazemeter. Nucleation capabilitieswere measured as polymer recrystallization temperatures (which indicatethe rate of polymer formation provided by the presence of the nucleatingadditive) by melting the target plaques, cooling the plaques at a rateof about 20° C./minute, and recording the temperature at which polymerreformation occurs. The resultant haze of the product storage units wereabout 8.0%, a level of sufficient transparency to permit illumination ofthe optical discs stored therein for authenticity detection inaccordance with the inventive methods.

The optical discs themselves may be of any standard composition, whereinat least one plastic layer is coated with at least one informationlayer, which is further coated with at least one metallized layer, andwhich is further coated with a lacquer layer. Preferably, the plasticlayer is of a material having some compressibility, such as PERSPEX®(polymethyl methacrylate, or PUMA) and has a thickness between 5 mm and20 mm.

The metal layer is preferably nickel, although any other reflectivemetal may be utilized. The lacquer is preferably a methacrylate. Thegeneral production methods are as noted above within U.S. Pat. No.6,165,391, herein entirely incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described in more detail by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a compact disc.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the inventive movable rosette arm storage unitconfiguration.

FIG. 3 shows a method of viewing a disc through a transparentpolypropylene storage unit to detect the authenticity identifier on theperipheral edge of the target disc.

FIG. 4 shows a method of viewing a disc through a transparentpolypropylene storage unit to detect the identifying image on thesurface of the target disc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to FIG. 1, an optical disc is shown which comprises aplastic substrate 10 normally formed from polycarbonate, preferablycomprising either at least one iridescent compound, such as anUltraviolet tag which illuminates at the peripheral edge 8 when exposedto an ultraviolet light source, or a bar-code stamped into theperipheral edge 8, or a holographic image present at the peripheral edge8, the upper surface 11 having a pattern of pits formed therein whichdefine a data recording. The pitted surface 11 is provided with ametallic film 12 so as to provide a light reflecting surface, themetallic layer 12 being covered by a protective layer of lacquer 13which may be an ultraviolet light curable resin such as that sold underthe trade mark RENGOLUX®.

The resin is normally applied to the disc by spin coating, i.e. theresin is applied to the disc at a position slightly radially inwardlyfrom the radially innermost extremity of the metallized surface, thedisc being rotated at speed, such that the resin flows towards thecircumference of the disc, and is cured by exposure to ultravioletlight.

The manner in which the polycarbonate substrate 10 is formed is normallyby injection molding. A metal plate known as a stamper having a surfaceformed with an information layer is placed in the cavity of an injectionmould and polycarbonate material is injected into the mould.

The injection molding process produces a polycarbonate substrate bearingthe information layer and having a substantially flat surface and eventhickness, with maybe a variance of a few microns with the exception ofthe peripheral ridge 14 in the polycarbonate substrate which may be inthe region of 50 microns thicker than the average thickness of the discelsewhere. The resultant disc exhibits the desired authenticityidentifier or authenticity image thereon, particularly at the peripheraledge 8.

FIG. 2 illustrates a desired structure of an inventive transparent cPPstorage unit 30. Such a unit 30 includes movable arms 32, 34 which areattached to the unit 30 via living hinges 33, 35. Although such livinghinges 33, 35 are preferred embodiments (since production of such amolded storage unit 30 is easier through a single mold), detachablehinges (not illustrated) may also be utilized. The discs 36, 38 areattached to the arms 32, 34 via individual rosettes 40 (other notillustrated). The moved arm 34 shows the ability to maneuver theparticular disc 38 outside the unit 30 in order to read and/or view thedesired promotional literature 52 which is held in place with brackets42, 44, 46, 48 to the unit 30. The other arm 32 may also be moved inlike fashion. The number of discs permitted in such a configuration maybe as many as six with individual moving arms attached at each segmentof the unit 30 separated by the spine hinge 50. Thus, the promotionalliterature 52 may be moved inside the unit 30 and easily read completelywither via movement of the individual arms 32, 34 or through theclarified wall of polypropylene on which the promotional literaturerests (not illustrated).

FIG. 3 depicts one preferred method of determining the authenticity of adisc 82 comprising an ultraviolet-based authenticity identifier (notillustrated) through a cPP storage unit 80. While the storage unit 80 isin a closed position, there is a top flap 86 attached via a living hinge85 and a recessed portion 87 having a bottom side 88 a first end 90 anda second including said living hinge 89. The disc 82 is attached to theunit via a rosette 84. When in closed position, an ultraviolet lightsource 92 provides ultraviolet rays 94 which are directed into the unit80. When the rays 94 contact the disc 80, the iridescent result 98 mayeither be viewed through second end 89 of the unit 80 and analyzed viaany instrument 100 (including human sight and recognition), or viewed inthe same manner through the first end 90 of the unit 80. Such anauthenticity identifier may include a barcode impressed within theperipheral edges 81 of the disc 82, or a holographic image placed on theperipheral edges of the disc 82, or an iridescent color integratedwithin the disc 82, as merely preferred examples, or adhered to theperipheral edges 81 of the disc 82. Any combination thereof, includingpatterns in like manner may be utilized as well for such a purpose.

FIG. 4 thus depicts another preferred embodiment utilizing the benefitsof a cPP storage unit 110. In closed position, a disc (partially shownas 116) resides within the unit 110, including promotional material 114present within the unit 110 as well. A cut-out portion 120 thus permitsviewing of an authenticity image 122, such as a holographic image, orbar-code, on the surface of the disc 116.

Thus, it is evident that suitable, simple methods of counterfeitdetection may be provided through the utilization of such cPP units. Theconfiguration improvements also provide a maximum utilization of spacefor the enjoyment and aesthetic pleasure of the consumer as well withregards to the promotional material, or other like supplied articlesaccompanying the commercialized disc.

There are, of course, many alternative embodiments and modifications ofthe present invention which are intended to be included within thespirit and scope of the following claims.

What we claim is:
 1. A transparent thermoplastic storage container forat least one optical disc; wherein said optical disc has a top surface,a bottom surface, and a peripheral edge; wherein said container includespromotional literature therein that is of a size and configuration so asto prevent viewing of both of said top surface and said bottom surfacein their entirety of said at least one optical disc when said storagecontainer is in its closed position; wherein said promotional literaturefurther includes a cut out portion such that, when said at least oneoptical disc is stored within said storage container in its closedposition simultaneously with said promotional literature, then at leasta portion of either of said top surface or said bottom surface, or bothof said top surface and said bottom surface, of said at least oneoptical disc may be viewed to determine the presence of said at leastone optical disc within said storage container without opening saidstorage container.